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When this rule first came in to effect (coaches being able to request time-outs directly) I remember our rules interpreter heading some important advice. Be sure that they REALLY want the time out. Many teams have plays called "side-out" or "five-out" which can be misheard by an official during the game. We were told that if we do hear a coach calling for one, we should try and glance over to see if he is also using a hand signal for the time-out. This way we are sure that we are not misunderstanding them.
Also, before the game, I make it a matter of practice to remind coaches to please be sure to request time-outs both verbally and with a signal, so that we can be sure to get it right.
One other thing I remember being told is that once an official grants a time-out - it IS a time-out - even if the coach was really calling a play. Has anyone else heard this?
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